“And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.”
Context:The Book of Ruth tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who, after her husband’s death, chooses to accompany her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to Bethlehem. Ruth’s dedication and loyalty to Naomi lead her to gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy landowner and kinsman of Naomi. Ruth 2:18 occurs after Ruth has spent the day gleaning in Boaz’s field.
Diligence and Hard Work:Ruth’s actions in Ruth 2:18 demonstrate her diligence and hard work. Gleaning was the practice of gathering leftover grain from the fields after the reapers had harvested the main crop. Ruth diligently collected the grain, taking up what she had gleaned, and prepared to return to the city.
Providing for Others:The verse also highlights Ruth’s generosity and concern for others. She had reserved a portion of what she gleaned, not only for herself but also to share with her mother-in-law. Even though she had been provided for in Boaz’s field, she made sure to take care of Naomi, who had been struggling with poverty and loss.
God’s Provision:Throughout the book, we see God’s providential care for Ruth and Naomi. Ruth’s decision to go to the fields to glean led her to Boaz’s field, where she found favour and protection. In Ruth 2:18, we witness God’s provision as Ruth returns to Naomi with an abundance of gleaned grain. It reminds us that God is faithful and provides for His people even in difficult circumstances.
The Virtue of Selflessness:Ruth’s act of giving to her mother-in-law reflects her selflessness. She not only cared for her own needs but also prioritised the well-being of Naomi. This selflessness is a commendable virtue that teaches us to consider others and their needs above our own.
Application:Ruth 2:18 encourages us to emulate Ruth’s qualities of diligence, hard work, generosity, and selflessness. It reminds us to trust in God’s provision and be willing to go the extra mile to care for others. We can also learn from Ruth’s example of making the most of the opportunities that God places before us, even in challenging circumstances.
In summary, Ruth 2:18 showcases Ruth’s diligent work in gleaning, her generosity towards her mother-in-law, and God’s provision for them both. It teaches us valuable lessons about diligence, selflessness, and trusting in God’s provision in our own lives.
